I typically prefer novels over short stories. I like to sink my teeth into a story and chew on it for a while. However, sometimes I’ll read anthologies of short stories, to get some ideas about new (to me) authors, whose novels I might like to read.

Sometimes I’ll pick up an annual Best American Comics for the same reason -- to be exposed to some new graphic novelists. Series editors Jessica Abel and Matt Madden choose a guest editor each year, who picks some 25-30 graphic novel excerpts or comic strips to be included. Some strips are chosen from “online only” comics; some are published in traditional print fashion. Best American Comics 2011, published this fall, was edited by Alison Bechdel, one of my favorite cartoonists.

Check it out, but don’t stop there. If you’re intrigued by a strip, find more works by your favorite artists from among almost 3500 titles held by KPL!

I typically prefer novels over short stories. I like to sink my teeth into a story and chew on it for a while. However, sometimes I’ll read anthologies of short stories, to get some ideas about new (to me) authors, whose novels I might like to read.

Sometimes I’ll pick up an annual Best American Comics for the same reason -- to be exposed to some new graphic novelists. Series editors Jessica Abel and Matt Madden choose a guest editor each year, who picks some 25-30 graphic novel excerpts or comic strips to be included. Some strips are chosen from “online only” comics; some are published in traditional print fashion. Best American Comics 2011, published this fall, was edited by Alison Bechdel, one of my favorite cartoonists.

Check it out, but don’t stop there. If you’re intrigued by a strip, find more works by your favorite artists from among almost 3500 titles held by KPL!